What is Cold Brew, and how do I make it??
What is Cold Brew Coffee?
Cold brew isn’t just coffee that’s gone cold. It’s a method of brewing that uses cold water and time (usually 12–24 hours) to extract flavor from coffee grounds. The result is a concentrate that’s lower in acidity, smooth, and naturally sweet.
This process brings out a different flavor profile than hot brewing—think chocolatey, nutty, and caramel notes. Cold brew is also versatile: serve it over ice, serve it hot, mix it with milk or your favorite milk alternative, or even shake it into a coffee cocktail.
What You’ll Need
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Coarse-ground coffee (like our Cold Brew Coffee Beans, roasted fresh to order)
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Filtered water
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A cold brew maker like the Toddy Home Cold Brew System
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Or A large jar or pitcher if you're DIYing it without equipment
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Time (12–24 hours of patience)
How to Make Cold Brew
1. Choose your beans wisely.
Cold brew amplifies the flavor of your beans, so quality matters. Our Cold Brew Blend is crafted for this exact purpose—rich, bold, and balanced with no bitterness.
2. Use the right ratio.
A good starting point is 1 cup of coarsely ground coffee to 4 cups of water. This makes a strong concentrate, which you can dilute to your taste later.
3. Let it steep.
In your Toddy Cold Brew System or another container, add the grounds and slowly pour the water over the grounds. Stir gently to saturate all the grounds then let it steep at room temperature (or in the fridge) for 12–24 hours. Everyone's tastes are a little different, so this part may take a little experimentation to see how much time it takes to make the perfect cold brew for you.
4. Filter it.
Once it’s steeped, strain the mixture. The Toddy Home brewer makes this super easy with its built-in filter system. If you’re going DIY, use a fine mesh strainer lined with a coffee filter.
5. Store and sip.
Store your cold brew concentrate in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. To serve, pour over ice and dilute with water or milk to taste. This makes a very strong cold brew concentrate, so we recommend a ratio of one part cold brew concentrate to 2 parts milk or water, but you can make it as strong or as weak as you like to suit your taste! A splash of your favorite flavored creamer, or flavored syrup is a nice touch too!
Cold Brew Pro Tips
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Grind matters: A coarse grind is key to avoiding over-extraction and sludgy coffee.
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Don’t rush it: Cold brew takes time to develop that smooth, bold flavor. Let it steep at least 12 hours.
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Make it a ritual: Brew a batch at the beginning of the week and treat yourself every morning.
Ready to Try It?
Start with our Cold Brew Blend—small-batch roasted, organic, and designed to make your cold brew dreams come true. Pair it with the Toddy Cold Brew System for an effortless brewing experience.
Whether you're a cold brew newbie or a seasoned sipper, this method guarantees a rich, smooth, and refreshing cup—no coffee shop necessary.
Want more cold brew tips, recipes, and gear guides? Follow us on Pinterest and stay tuned for more caffeinated content from A Beautiful Bean.